Ferry service starting up runs to Mackinac Island

Wednesday

Apr 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

A sure sign of the approaching summer season was visible Monday south of the Mackinac Bridge when Shepler’s Ferry began transportation from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island.In addition, service from Shepler’s St. Ignace location will begin May 3.

By MIKE FORNESmike@cheboygantribune.com

A sure sign of the approaching summer season was visible Monday south of the Mackinac Bridge when Shepler’s Ferry began transportation from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. In addition, service from Shepler’s St. Ignace location will begin May 3. The Arnold Transit Company has been running the motor vessel Huron from St. Ignace to the island since earlier this spring with a published schedule that began Monday. Star Line also published a schedule of trips to the island from St. Ignace commencing Monday.All three ferry companies will run from docks in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace beginning May 3.Last week ice floes remained in the Straits of Mackinac but were flushed out into Lake Huron by strong northwest winds that buffeted the area over the weekend. Only harbor ice remained, and warming temperatures this week have all but dispatched what remained along loading areas and near docks.Mackinac Island ferry service is scheduled to run for all three companies from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace until late October. The Star Line has published a schedule with service through Oct. 27. Both Arnold Transit and Shepler’s will provide service to the island through Oct. 28, and Arnold will continue from its St. Ignace dock until winter weather forces the ferry line to stop.